Chronic Constipation: Causes, Solutions, and When to Seek Medical Help- Dr. Vikrant Kale

Explore the causes, effective solutions, and signs indicating when to seek medical assistance for chronic constipation. Empower yourself with knowledge to manage this common condition effectively.

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2. FEBRUARY 15, 2024 DR. VIKRANT KALE 0 COMMENTS LATEST BLOGS
Chronic Constipation: Causes, Solutions, and When
to Seek Medical Help
Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal issue that affects millions of
individuals worldwide. While occasional constipation is usually harmless and can
be smoothly managed, chronic constipation can signifqcantly impact one’s quality
of life and may indicate an underlying health problem.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the causes of chronic constipation, explore potential
solutions, and discuss when it’s essential to seek medical help. Dr. Vikrant Kale,
the best gastroenterologist in Pune, provides expert insights to help you
understand and address this condition effectively.
What is chronic constipation?
Chronic constipation is a persistent condition characterized by irregular bowel
movements or diffqculty passing stool over an extended period, typically lasting
for several weeks or more. Unlike occasional constipation, which may appear due
to temporary aspects such as changes in diet or lifestyle, chronic constipation
typically persists for an extended period, often lasting for several weeks or more.
Dr. Vikrant Kale considers constipation chronic if it:
survives for 3 months or more
disrupts a person’s life and day-to-day functioning
does not resolve following a modifqcation in diet or exercise
only fqxes with prescription medicines
What Are the Symptoms of Chronic
Constipation?
passing rarer than three stools a week
Diffqculty Passing Stool
feeling that the rectum is not fully empty after a bowel motion

3. needing help to empty the rectum, either by pushing on the abdomen or by
inserting a fqnger to remove a lodged stool
A feeling of obstruction or blockage in the rectum
Rectal Bleeding
Changes in Bowel Habits
Persistent abdominal pain
What Causes Chronic Constipation?
Dietary Factors: A diet low in fqber and fluids can contribute to constipation.
Lack of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in the diet can slow down
digestion and bowel movements.
Dehydration: Low water intake can contribute to dry, hard stools, making
bowel motions diffqcult.
Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles can slow down bowel motions,
leading to constipation.
Medications: Certain medicines, such as opioids, antidepressants, and iron
supplements, can cause constipation as a side effect.
Medical Conditions: Chronic constipation may be a sign of underlying
medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hypothyroidism,
diabetes, or neurological conditions.
Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can affect gut
motility and contribute to constipation.
Ignoring the Urge: Stopping the urge to have a bowel movement can lead to
constipation over time.
What are the solutions for Chronic Constipation?
Managing chronic constipation often involves a multifaceted approach. Dr.
Vikrant Kale suggests the following strategies for managing and alleviating
symptoms:
Dietary Modifications: Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and
legumes can increase the amount of fqber in your diet, which will help to soften

4. stools and promote regular bowel movements.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps maintain stools
soft and promotes bowel movements.
Exercise: Regular exercise can improve overall gut health and encourage
bowel motions.
Laxatives: Over-the-counter laxatives may be used for short-term relief, but
they should not be relied upon for long-term management without medical
care.
Establish Regular Bathroom Habits: Try to establish a consistent routine for
bowel movements by scheduling time for washroom breaks each day.
Biofeedback Therapy: This method improves bowel function and reduces
constipation by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.
Prescription Medications: In some cases, prescription medicines may be
essential to manage chronic constipation, especially if it’s associated with an
underlying medical condition.
When to Seek Medical Help?
Constipation is common and usually goes away on its own, but if it lasts for more
than a few weeks or months, it may be ongoing and need medical care. It’s
important to consult with a constipation specialist in Puneif you experience:
Constipation that doesn’t improve with lifestyle modifqcations or over-the-
counter medications
Severe abdominal pain, bloating, or cramping
Blood in stools or rectal bleeding.
Unexplained weight loss.
Changes in bowel habits, specifqcally if accompanied by other signs such as
diarrhea or constipation.
People with a family history of colon cancer or other gastrointestinal
conditions should undergo regular screening and consult a gastroenterologist
if experiencing constipation.

5. Conclusion:
Chronic constipation can signifqcantly affect one’s quality of life, but with the
right approach, it’s often manageable. People can effectively manage chronic
constipation and improve their overall gastrointestinal health by being aware of
the causes, making lifestyle changes, and knowing when to seek medical
attention.
If you’re experiencing persistent constipation or concerning signs, don’t hesitate
to consult with Dr. Vikrant Kale for personalized guidance and treatment options.
Managing constipation early can prevent complications and boost overall
wellness.
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ABOUT DR. VIKRANT KALE
Dr. Vikrant Kale is a practicing consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist, and
Interventional Endoscopist with experience of more than 15 years. He has expertise
in managing various GI disorders (which include intestine, liver, gallbladder, and
pancreas) at a very advanced level.
Website:https://drkalegastroclinic.comGastroenterologist

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